Posted in Field Trips
This week was safety week at our swim school. I'm not sure if this is a common practise amongst swim schools but I think it's a marvelous idea.The children are asked to wear normal clothes over their swimmers so they can experience what it feels like to move in the water in water logged clothes. This knowledge might be important if they ever fell into the pool.
During the lesson they practised lots of different safety techniques and were familiarised with different situations they might find themselves in. They practised the standard techniques like turning and swimming for the wall and hopping in and out of the pool safely.
They were also safely pushed into the pool (with their teacher right at their side in the water) at a time when they weren't prepared so they could practise their skills in a safe environment. This could save their lives one day when instead of panicking they can recall this lesson and calmly turn in the water and return to the wall.
They also practised floating in the pool using various flotation devices in case they have to improvise one day.
They put on life jackets and had fun swimming around the pool. They were also taught how to safely jump into the water wearing a life jacket. Hopefully a skill they'll never need but a very valuable lesson all the same.
For younger swimmers these devices really help boost their self confidence in the water. They love the independence of moving around on their own and I've found that the lessons following safety week are where I've seen a lot of swimming progress in my boys.
Mostly for fun they sit on a floating mat and pretend it's a boat. Their teachers roughs up the "sea" and the boat sinks or capsizing throwing them "overboard". My boys think this is the best game ever and ask for it every safety week. I'm not sure if they do this in normal classes or not. We have private lessons as I think it's more value for dollar time wise.
The kids also get to explore the water in floaties. Below you can see my "not-confident" swimmer who NEVER jumps into the pool without his teacher holding his hand. I expect to see big things from him in the next weeks at swimming.
The kids also answer simple questions about other areas of water safety such as where do you swim at the beach, what colour are the surf flags.
They also practise rescue techniques and are taught to never jump into the pool to save another swimmer, that as children they must lie on their bellies and reach for them. Our teacher also shows the kids what will happen if they do jump in or try to stand up to reach for a person. The best lesson for kids is experience and it's a lesson they don't forget and it's all part of the fun of the day.
They also practise rescue techniques and are taught to never jump into the pool to save another swimmer, that as children they must lie on their bellies and reach for them. Our teacher also shows the kids what will happen if they do jump in or try to stand up to reach for a person. The best lesson for kids is experience and it's a lesson they don't forget and it's all part of the fun of the day.
So if your swim school doesn't do something like this it might be a valuable idea to ask them about it. It only happens once every swim season for us so that's twice a year but over several years I'm sure these lessons will not be forgotten.
Ethan looking at the moon
Brayden looking at the moon
Brayden looking at Jupiter and 4 of its many moons
Ethan looking at Jupiter, Io, Europa, Callisto and Ganymede
... and then have some child come along behind you and build it with one hand tied behind their back. Your reputation as a thinking being is in jeopardy when you start an endeavour like this. Thankfully with all our brains combined we got the structure looking just right. 
